Tarasenko Ready to Return

Tarasenko Ready to ReturnBlues forward Vladimir Tarasenko is ready to return to the lineup after missing 15 games with a hand injury.

Vladimir Tarasenko had his cast removed and was on the ice for a full practice with the team Wednesday at the Ice Zone at St. Louis Outlet Mall.

He will be in the lineup for Game 1 on Thursday vs. Chicago.

Tarasenko had surgery on his right hand after he was injured in the March 15 game against the Nashville Predators. He was originally expected to be re-evaluated after six weeks.

He missed 15 games with the injury.

Tarasenko, 22, has appeared in 64 games for the Blues this season. He has 21 goals and 22 assists (43 points). Currently in his second NHL season, the 6-foot, 219-pound forward has 64 points (29 goals, 33 assists) in 102 career games.

Tarasenko was drafted in the first round (16th overall) in the 2010 NHL Draft.